On this research cruise, we are deploying many types of instrumentation to collect samples and data. The most frequently deployed instrument in known as the CTD – an acronym that stands for conductivity, temperature, and depth. These are the primary ocean parameters measured by the device – but it can measure other properties as well, such as chlorophyll concentration. In addition to taking measurements of the ocean water as it is lowered through the water column, the CTD is carried on a frame that also houses large bottles (known as Niskin bottles) that are used for the collection of seawater. These bottles can be  triggered from the ship to collect water from specific depths. The water collected on this cruise is used by cruise participants to study various biological and chemical properties of the water column. In the photo below, the science party, the crew, and the restech work together to deploy one of the day’s many CTD casts.

As acting co-chief scientists, Jen Jackson and I finalized our cruise plan with Captain Ian and Liz Brenner. We were concerned that portions of our plan would be scrapped do to naval exercises and that we would have some serious regrouping to do. Of the two stations (sampling sites) that they were concerned about, we ended up pulling one due to anticipated rough water conditions, and the other station ended up being OK with Navy for the dates and times we were planning to be in the area. The remainder of the day was spent loading our gear onto the ship for departure – a process that was made possible through the herculean efforts of our resident technicians (restechs) Meghan and Robb, the crew of the New Horizon, and the Scripps dock crew. Thanks!